Basic granola

I've been making my own granola for a long time and I know Linsey has started making her own too. I thought I'd share my "learning recipe" since I found it more helpful than the more specific recipes out there. It gives a good idea of what goes into granola and how you can make it truly your own. The trick is not to overcook it. Like candy it gets harder after cooling so you want it to be still kinda soft when it comes out of the oven.

Enjoy making your very own $8.50 a pound fancy granola on the cheap ;) and share your favorite combo with us if you already make granola!

Basic Dry Cereal from the More With Less cookbook.
preheat oven to 300'

In a large bowl combine 7 cups of dry ingredients including at least 2-3c rolled oats plus other grains:
wheat germ
whole wheat flour
wheat bran
wheat grits
cornmeal
soy flour grits or roasted beans
grape nuts
sunflower seeds
sesame seeds
pumpkin seeds, roasted
coconut
dry milk
chopped nuts
1-2 tsp spices- nutmeg, cinnamon, ginger, etc.

Combine seperately and pour over dry ingredients 1 c. liquids including some fat & some sweetener:
honey,
syrup,
brown sugar (combined with 2T. water for 1/2c.)
oil
melted butter
nut butter
milk or cream

Spread mixture onto cookie sheets so it's not too thick. Put in oven and bake for 10 minutes, stir, bake another 10 minutes, stir then start checking it & stirring it more frequently. It can take anywhere between 30 and 60 minutes to bake. It's done when the oats are still maleable but just lightly browned. Allow to cool completely then add dried fruits as desired. Happy granola making! I'll post my current favorite in the comments.